The Roles of Different Eye Care Professionals
眼科護理專業人員的職責說明

When it comes to your eye care, there are several different professionals to help you: ophthalmologist, optometrist, orthoptist, and dispensing optician / optical technician. But who does what? What are their roles? Why do you need all four?
如果眼睛有毛病,有幾類不同的專業人士可以幫助您:眼科醫生、視光師、視覺矯正師和配鏡師/光學技師。 但他們是誰? 誰負責什麼? 他們的角色是什麼? 為什麼你需要這四類人士?

Ophthalmologist 眼科醫生
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed medical training and subsequently specialized in the clinical care of your eye and vision. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, to diagnose and treat eye diseases as well as systemic diseases (including the prescription of drugs and performing laser and surgical treatments), in addition to prescribing corrective lenses for vision problems and handling all problems related to your eyes.
眼科醫生是完成醫學培訓的醫生,並專門受訓及從事所有關於眼睛和視覺健康的專科醫生。 眼科醫生可從事各項醫學工作,包括診斷和治療眼疾及眼科系統性疾病,處方藥物治療,施行各項眼科的外科手術及激光手術,此外還可以為病人在適當時候及已治癒眼病後處方各類型眼鏡及隱形眼鏡,並處理有關您的眼睛的所有問題。

Optometrist 視光師
Optometrists are healthcare professionals trained to take care of the optical aspects of your eyes. As optometrists are not registered medical practitioners, they do not diagnose or treat eye diseases. In some countries, a doctoral degree is a mandatory requirement but this is not mandatory in Hong Kong. The scope of optometry involves performing vision testing and prescription of corrective lenses for refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia). Some optometrists in Hong Kong can use a limited number of medications during the eye examination process.
視光師是主要處理眼睛屈光不正(即眼鏡度數)的專職醫療人員。在一些國家,視光師必需持有有關的博士學位,但他們不是醫生, 而且香港並沒有此強制要求。視光師的主要服務範圍包括進行視力測試和處方因屈光不正(近視、遠視、散光和老花眼)而需要矯正視力的眼鏡及隱形眼鏡。 香港部分視光師在檢查眼睛過程中可使用一至兩類檢查用藥物。視光師在工作中可能會遇到一些視力不佳而又不能用眼鏡矯正視力的人,這些人可能患上眼疾,但視光師並沒有接受正式醫學培訓及不能診斷或治療眼疾。

Orthoptist 視覺矯正師
Orthoptists are healthcare professionals trained to evaluate and treat eye movement disorders, and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. These can be caused by issues with the muscles around the eyes or defects of the nerves enabling the brain to communicate with the eyes. They also work with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain tumors. They are trained to offer visual trainings and non-surgical treatments including eye training, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.
視覺矯正師是專注於眼球運動和處理雙眼協調等問題的專職醫療人員, 這些問題包括眼睛肌肉問題或大腦中風或腫瘤等所引致的雙眼重影(並視功能)問題。他們服務範疇包括提供視覺培訓和非手術治療,如遮眼鍛鍊、眼睛肌肉訓練、棱鏡或眼鏡等。 在香港,大部分的視覺矯正師受僱於公立醫院,並經常與眼科醫生一起工作。

Dispensing Optician / Optical Technician 配鏡師/光學技師
Dispensing opticians / optical technicians are trained technicians who design, fit, and dispense eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices that correct vision.
配鏡師/光學技師是經過培訓的技術人員,他們設計、安裝和配眼鏡鏡片和鏡架、隱形眼鏡以及其他矯正視力的設備。

(Only ophthalmologists are registered medical doctors with full medical ( 5 years ) and ophthalmic training ( at least 6 years ) to acquire the competency in managing all kinds of eye problems and diseases leading to visual impairment.)
(眼科醫生是唯一受過全面醫學( 五年 )和眼科培訓 ( 至少六年 )的醫生,具備診斷及治療各種眼科疾病及視力障礙問題的能力。)

 

  Main Scope of Service/ competency 
主要服務範圍/能力
 
  Duration of Training
培訓時間
 
Ophthalmologist
眼科醫生
Medical Doctor
Manages all diseases of the eye and the whole visual system, including the use of optical, medical, and surgical treatments.
  13 years
  醫生
診斷及治療眼睛和整個視覺系統的所有疾病,包括使用光學、藥物和手術治療。
 
  13年
Optometrist
視光師
Vision testing and refractive corrections.
Prescription of optical aids, including spectacles, that aim to enhance vision
  5 years
  視力測試/屈光問題,處方眼鏡,隱形眼鏡及其他光學輔助儀器
 
  5年
Orthoptist
視覺矯正師
Evaluation of eye movement and binocular vision problems
Prescription of eye training, eye exercises, prisms or glasses.
  3 – 4 years (overseas degree only)
  眼球運動和雙眼協調
遮眼鍛鍊、眼肌肉訓練、棱鏡或眼鏡的處方。
 
  3 – 4 年(僅限海外學位)
Dispensing Optician/ Optical Technician
配鏡師/光學技師
Advises, fits and supplies spectacles after taking account of each patient’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs.   3 years (overseas degree)
Or
1-2 years (vocational training with certificates in Hong Kong)
  因應不同需要,建議、配發和提供所適合的眼鏡。
 
  3年(海外學位)
或者
1-2年(香港職業培訓證書)

 
2022.01.04 Version 1
2022.01.04 版本 1